Finding a balanced tube preamp is not all that hard. ARC has been making them since the mid-90s, and we have been making them since the late 1980s.
Aesthetix Calypso vs. ?
I have this on loan from my dealer, and am wondering what other preamps I should try within this price range.
I think the Calypso betters my BAT 3iX, without the 3iX's somewhat closed in on top and darkish midrange.
The 3iX does seem to win in the midbass, and I still very much like the its overal soundstage presentation. I'm wondering if I should try some tuberolling with the 3iX before I give up on it. I just have the standard Electro-Harmonix 6922s in it right now.
(I tried some Tung Sol 12AX7s I had in the closet in the Calypso. Lovelier midrange and deeper soundstage than the Sovteks, but too much hiss).
I think the Calypso betters my BAT 3iX, without the 3iX's somewhat closed in on top and darkish midrange.
The 3iX does seem to win in the midbass, and I still very much like the its overal soundstage presentation. I'm wondering if I should try some tuberolling with the 3iX before I give up on it. I just have the standard Electro-Harmonix 6922s in it right now.
(I tried some Tung Sol 12AX7s I had in the closet in the Calypso. Lovelier midrange and deeper soundstage than the Sovteks, but too much hiss).